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I was born in Kettering, lived in Walgrave, moved to Norfolk, and am now spending time in Gibraltar with the Barbary Macaques (monkeys)! According to legend, The Rock of Gibraltar will remain British as long as the Macaques live there.
Winston Churchill, during World War Two, ordered that there should be at least 24 Macaques on The Rock to meet the conditions of this legend. The good news is, there are currently 230 – 300 – and yes, I get more sense out of them than I do Dad!
My Dad and Stepmum Debra currently live in this wonderful British Overseas Territory, and I have to say, that having visited numerous times, the lifestyle is incredible, with fantastic weather, friendly people, and great bars and restaurants – oh, and not forgetting Morrisons, McDonalds, and Marks & Spencer’s – it really is just like being at home! You will see from my blogs that I have made many new friends, and have a great time every time I visit.
The first time I visited was last December, when I flew out with my Carer, Alan, and Dad, and saw the legendary Boney M in Concert at Casemates Square. I say that loosely as there was only one original band member! Some may argue this is not exactly up their with the likes of Taylor Swift, but I had a great time, especially as I knew many of the songs, and enjoyed singing along. It was lovely seeing Gibraltar all lit up for Christmas, and I was still able to sit outside to eat and drink in the sun. It was especially exciting to have a ride up The Rock, explore the tunnels and caves, and admire all the great views. Sister Katie and her boyfriend Dan visited for a few days which made the trip just that extra special. I also went Paddleboarding for the first time with my Instructor, Jimmy, which was really good fun.
I had such a great time, I visited Gibraltar again to celebrate my birthday in January, accompanied this time by my Carer, Bill, and my good friends Ray and Chris. I had a fantastic Birthday Party with all my new friends, namely Angie, Judith, Mick, Jimmy, Keith, Julia, John, Yvonne – and not forgetting Dad, Debra, Ray, Chris, and Bill. All the staff at Charlies were wonderful, and the food was delicious. I also had a wonderful birthday cake.
As if twice wasn’t enough, I was invited a third time, to celebrate a very special birthday for Debra. I can say it now as everyone knows – she turned 60! Accompanying me on this epic trip were Debra’s family; Pat, Brian, Cheryl, Naomi, Abigail, Beth, and friends Caroline, Chris, Louise, Andy, Anna, and Keith. It would be fair to say we had a wild time, especially at The Irish Bar, and at the party itself, where I already knew most of the people that came. I enjoyed dancing, singing, and spending time with all my friends. However, the highlight was the Abba Tribute Group, namely Debra, Louise, and Caroline! As good as they were, it’s unlikely they will ever sell out at the 02 in London!
To work off all the food and drink, I also had some Personal Training at the Gym with my Instructor Jerome, and I really enjoyed my workouts. He made my sessions very varied, and he certainly made me work hard. The more times I went, my confidence grew, and I am looking forward to seeing Jerome again in January. If that wasn’t enough, I also made lots of new friends at the running club (ok, I walked, but who cares!), and was invited to the ‘never to be missed’ Pizza Night at Mamma Mia’s which takes place every Thursday. The lasagne was out of this world!
So, yes, in January 2025 I will be returning to celebrate my 28th Birthday, this time, with my Carer, Nick. What will I get up too? Who knows, but it will almost certainly include Happy Hour on board the Sunborn, meeting John and Yvonne at The Irish Bar, a roast dinner at Moniques, Personal Training with Jerome, and, oh yes, let us not forget, my birthday party at Charlies! Watch this space!
Hi – my name is Tom and this is my blog. I have complex learning and physical difficulties, and I’m hoping that by showcasing how I live my day to day life you can be truly inspired.
